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Ubisoft Unveils Revolutionary AI Gaming Prototypes
Gaming industry leader Ubisoft recently showcased a glimpse of its cutting-edge AI gaming prototypes, introducing the world to its innovative NEO non-player characters (NPCs) that boast remarkable capabilities. The unveiling took place at the prestigious Game Developer Conference held in San Francisco.
Although Ubisoft emphasized that the NEO NPCs are still in the developmental stage and have a journey ahead before integration into games, the potential impact on player-NPC interactions is profound. These advancements are set to redefine gaming experiences, propelling the evolution and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence within the gaming landscape.
NEO NPCs Demo at GDC
During the demonstration at GDC, players were granted a firsthand experience of the NEO NPC AI, which Ubisoft described as possessing “unprecedented cognitive and interactive abilities.” These advanced NPCs exhibit emotions, memories, situational awareness, and decision-making skills, setting a new benchmark in virtual character intelligence.
Ubisoft, renowned for its hit franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry, leverages voice-to-chat technology to enable NPCs to engage players in meaningful dialogues. Through generative AI, these characters can exchange ideas, pose inquiries, and assist gamers in strategizing future actions.
Virginie Mosser, Ubisoft’s narrative director, expressed her excitement about this breakthrough, stating, “For the first time in my life, I can have a conversation with a character I’ve created—I’ve dreamed of that since I was a kid.”
Partnership with Nvidia and Inworld AI
The development of NEO NPCs stems from a collaborative effort between Ubisoft, chipmaker Nvidia, and Inworld AI. Nvidia’s Audio2Face technology, an integral component of its ACE suite, enables the creation of lifelike facial animations, enhancing the NPC’s realism.
Inworld AI, backed by a $50 million investment led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and supported by prestigious entities like Stanford University and Microsoft’s M12 fund, contributed its expertise to empower Ubisoft’s writers in constructing intricate NPC backgrounds, knowledge bases, and dialogues.
Embracing Generative AI in Gaming
Ubisoft’s initiative aligns with a broader industry trend towards embracing generative AI technologies to elevate gaming experiences. Following the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Midjourney, leading gaming studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Square Enix, and Microsoft have embarked on similar AI-driven endeavors.
The collaboration between Ubisoft and Nvidia underscores a strategic focus on developing responsive and communicative characters through innovative AI solutions. Guillemette Picard, Ubisoft’s senior vice president of production technology, emphasized the importance of placing developers and players at the forefront of such technological advancements, ensuring that generative AI adds substantial value to the creative process.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Ubisoft remains at the forefront of innovation, leveraging generative AI to redefine game development and player engagement. This partnership heralds a new era where AI-driven NPCs are poised to revolutionize the way games are created and enjoyed.
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